Questionnaire on Elaboration of the MSFD Initial Assessment Presented by Ulrich Claussen

Status of the Initial Assessment Execution in Member States 16 MSs replied In 5 MSs the IA has not yet started In 11 MSs the IA is in progress 5 MSs provided a table of contents 1 MS provided a timetable for the IA elaboration 4 MSs plan to be ready in the period from winter 2010 until autumn 2011

Main IA Elements The IA consists of four main parts: 1. Characteristics and ecological status (MSFD, Table 1 Annex III) 2. Main pressures and impacts (MSFD, Table 2 Annex III) 3. Socio-economic analysis (MSFD Art. 8 (c)) 4. Assessment of descriptors (MSFD, Annex I) In most MS the socio-economic analysis is missing. At least two MS will include an assessment on this topic.

Difficulties & Gaps in Relation to Requirements of Annex III Quantitative relationships between pressures and ecosystem elements are lacking Data gaps could exist regarding biodiversity, habitats especially in the open part of the seas Some impacts like underwater noise, marine litter were never assessed Gaps in information on marine environment and pressures, definition of GES and targets, socio-economic evaluation

Basis of the Initial Assessments 1.) Use of existing information and established methods from e.g. WFD Habitats Directive Regional Conventions (BARCELONA, BUCHAREST, HELCOM, OSPAR) 2.) New assessment methods for inter alia A socio-economic assessment of the marine environment & the costs of degradation Elements that are not included in the WFD like coastal fish assemblages, hydrographical conditions…

Interest in HELCOM Core Set & HARMONY 1) HELCOM Core Set Project All HELCOM CPs are participating 6 MSs from other ecoregions are interested in the outcome 2) HARMONY 9 MSs are interested in the outcome

Comparable Initiatives in the BARCELONA & BUCHAREST Conventions Bi- or trilateral specific & informal meetings with neighbouring countries Direct contact among relevant experts from each MS Adriatic countries signed a multilateral agreement, including efforts for the common MSFD implementation Under MAP (BARCELONA Convention) application of the ecosystem approach In the BUCHAREST Convention through the activities of working groups „Black Sea“ Group in the Bulgarian-Romanian cooperation agreement on water Intercalibration of coastal waters under the WFD

Plans with Regard to the Elaboration of the IA MSs replied on plans regarding the IA e.g. comprising the Initiation of a project group Establishment of an expert group Organisation meetings with the stakeholders Use of data and methods already existing for the implementation of other European Directives (e.g. WFD, Habitats Directive)

General Comments & Questions The IA uses a common approach and will enable a straightforward coordination through OSPAR Implementation of Art. 9 & 10 will be done in conjunction with the IA What is expected in terms of reporting (format and size of the documents)? HELCOM must be used to the utmost in the Baltic Sea region

Thank you for your participation!